Megan is a student journalist at The College of New Jersey. Her passions include writing, new media and politics. She hopes to work for a metropolitan newspaper or online news organization after she graduates in May.
Courtesy of: Megan DeMarco
Megan DeMarco like many reading this blog, is a New Jersey resident, who has expanded her outlook, and encourages Journalism students to start writing immediately, and actively seek out opportunities to flex their writing muscles.
1. As a journalist, what would you recommend for a journalism student in Central and South Jersey (or any journalist in a small town area) to do to propel them in a career/gain internship?
First and foremost, get some clips. Find your local paper, e-mail the editor, and see if they need freelancers. If you’re a college student, write for your college paper. In New Jersey, utilize the NJPA’s internship directory (http://www.njpa.org/collegepress/interns.html) to look for internships, and apply to as many as you can. If you have a passion or an interest, start your own blog that you can show and talk about on a job interview. When it comes to applying for internships or jobs, it seems showing that you have experience is key.
2. Where are you from originally and how did you land a Philadelphia Inquirer internship?
I’m originally from East Brunswick, NJ in Middlesex County. I applied for the Inquirer internship during the summer two years ago, and started out there as a part-time intern last fall. I interned in the Inquirer’s New Jersey headquarters, located in Cherry Hill. I was asked to stay for the spring semester, and applied for the full-time summer internship as well.
3. Why did you choose to a be journalism major and what encourages you to continue your chosen major path, what are your future plans?
I started on a journalism path in high school, writing for the Teen section of my local paper, The Home News Tribune, and spending my senior year as the Editor-in-Chief of my high school newspaper. I came into college as a journalism major and have never really wavered. Every experience I’ve had in journalism has encouaged me to stay on that path. I’ve spent a lot of time at college as News Editor, Managing Editor and currently Editor-in-Chief at my school newspaper, The Signal. It’s exhilarating, challenging and exciting to be in charge of keeping the campus community informed. At my internships I’ve gotten to cover so many cool things – I helped cover the president when he came to stump for Gov. Corzine, for example – and meet a variety of interesting people. I love writing, but I also love going out and talking to people. I would never want a job that consisted of sitting at a desk all day. It’s just a blast.My future plans include landing a job at a newspaper or online news organization – easier said than done.
4. What is a common faux pas that Journalism students make while in college – motivation or internship wise?
Definitely not getting involved early enough. Like I said above, you need to have the clips. My classes here have been terrific, but I’ve learned more from internships and working at the Signal than any class I’ve taken. I don’t get how someone could be a senior and getting ready to graduate and look for a job but has nothing to show for four years as a journalism major.
5. You like myself reside in NJ, do you think we have a future in this state, is working in NY/PA our only option?
Definitely not. While there are some great opportunities in NY and PA, beggars can’t be choosers. With the state of journalism right now, especially in New Jersey, I think restricting yourself to a geographic area as a graduating journalism major would be a mistake. Personally, I’m applying to both paid internships and jobs all over the country. It’s a competitive field, especially in NY, and jobs are going to be limited, so why not apply to anything and everything available?
Megan DeMarco, can be found on twitter, (@megandemarco) and her website www.megandemarco.com.
